They stayed for a week on the island. When they first arrived, the island was teeming with lush growth and life. Now it was just a smoking lifeless pit. Horny's fiery footfalls burned everything it touched, and Saithe had devoured every heart that beat. They had uncovered a sleeping volcano, and Horny woke it up by walking into its mouth. Horny wasn't hurt by the lava at all, and he carried Saithe everywhere after that. When the dragon landed and roared for them to leave, Horny sighed with resentment.
"What is it?" Saithe asked.
"We must go back to that wonderful place where the cattle are again," he snarled. "I was hoping I could keep you alone and safe for another week!"
"Well, why don't we start a family, then?" she asked. "This way we can go off on our own, and no one can trace our footsteps."
"You mean not trace your footsteps! You can easily track down mine!" he grumbled. She grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck. They approached Shadowsbane and the dragon yawned from the wait.
"Very impressive with what you've done here. Of course, now I'll have to find another island for you," he snorted.
"Just let us know when you find one. We'll kill it off for you!" Saithe grinned. The dragon rumbled a laugh and let them mount up. He took them back to the castle. Horny jumped off his back and helped Saithe down. He carried Saithe to their lair and looked up with concern. Something called to him that appeared to be a threat. It was instinctive to protect his mate and fight off whatever was attempting to threaten them.
"What is it, my love?" she asked.
"I feel…that something is not right!" he snarled. "I need to check it out. No matter what happens, don't look for me!"
"Your pride demands it, right?" she asked. He smiled and kissed her deeply.
"I have always come back to you. If you know something is wrong, watch my throne. If it starts to disappear, start looking," he said. She nodded, and he hugged her tightly to him for several more minutes before releasing her. She watched him leave with a smile. Yet, at the same time, she was horribly bothered by his sudden leave. She would always greet him when he came home to her.